Washington Redskins reportedly shopping safety Su’a Cravens

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 21: A Washington Redskins helmet is seen on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 21: A Washington Redskins helmet is seen on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Redskins’ relationship with estranged safety Su’a Cravens was already rumored to be tense. Now we have confirmation that the team is trying to receive compensation for the third-year pro.

One week ago, Su’a Cravens was promptly reinstated into the NFL after submitting an application to return. Although he’s ready to suit up in pads again, he’ll likely do so for another team.

Per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, the Washington Redskins are asking around to see who might be interested in the former second-round pick. Williams says that “Washington is shopping safety Su’a Cravens, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports” and that the move “is not surprising, given how Cravens left the team last season”.

For Cravens, it was never as simple as coming back. When he turned his back on the team just before the start of the 2017 season, the team’s trust in him was damaged. The prospect of his return to the roster created a moral hazard of sorts; if Cravens could return without consequence, after leaving so suddenly, then the accountability of the team would be put into question.

With Cravens now undoubtedly due to head out the door, the question now becomes whether or not the Washington Redskins can receive adequate compensation for him. It’s never ideal to jettison a once-promising second-round pick just two one full year into his development, but his potential alone should garner at least some interest on the open market.

Cravens’ recent reinstatement will also have a positive impact on his trade value. By requesting to be reinstated, Cravens reaffirmed his commitment and desire to continue playing professional football; this was bound to be the primary concern for any trade suitors. That concern does not evaporate with his reinstatement, as he had commitment issues even before his NFL career. But it may be enough for the Washington Redskins to find a deal.

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Trade ideas will continue to float in the weeks leading up to the official start of the new league year, and in that time, the Washington Redskins could very well find a team willing to pay for Cravens’ services. For now, however, a deal is far from a guarantee. Stay with us here at Riggo’s Rag, as we’ll continue to provide updates on the situation.